Aggies bounce back with 4-1 win over Bobcats at Davis Diamond

Texas A&M secured its final non-conference win before heading into SEC play, defeating Texas State, 4-1, at Davis Diamond on Wednesday night.

Leading the night were underclassmen Koko Wooley and Emiley Kennedy, who have continued to improve since the start of the season. 

After an uneventful first inning, Texas State took the lead on an RBI double from former Texas A&M player Dani Elder.

In response to trailing 1-0, A&M’s defense stepped up. Wooley started an inning-ending double play to escape trouble in the third.

“I caught the ball, and honestly, I was going to take it myself,” Wooley said. “[Rylen Wiggins] was there, and I tossed it to my teammate. It’s always fun playing with her.”

Off a Bobcat error, the Aggies had a chance to strike. Shaylee Ackerman and Wooley each scored on the costly mistake to put A&M in front in the third. 

With each game, Kennedy continues to appear more comfortable in the circle. The freshman left-hander pitched her tenth game of the season, recording five strikeouts. 

“Really pleased with how she’s managing her opportunities,” Texas A&M head coach Jo Evans said. “Thought tonight she struggled a little bit, got behind hitters but never got herself in too much trouble. Her composure on the mound is exceptional.”

Despite getting frustrated with her pitching and giving up two additional hits, Kennedy maintained her composure and closed out the night.

“She is someone we can count on every time she goes out there,” Evans said. “She’s giving us a chance to win games, and her composure is something I’m really impressed with.”

In the fifth, senior first baseman Haley Lee reached on a throwing error, allowing Wooley to score another unearned run. The Bobcats never responded.

Sophomore catcher Mayce Allen closed out the night by launching her fourth home run of the season, closing out the game at 4-1. 

“I like where we're at,” Wooley said. “Auburn is in for a good awakening. We’re making progress.”

The Aggies will head to The Plains to take on No. 20 Auburn to start SEC ball on Friday, March 9.

“Auburn’s got a terrific pitching staff,” Evans said. “Their 1-2 punch is very, very good. We’ll have to be a disciplined offense to beat them.”